Lawmakers have a plan to distribute $2.6 billion for COVID-19 relief. Here’s what Centre County will get
Centre County is set to receive $14.7 million in funding to support its struggling economy amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
It’s part a plan approved Thursday by the Pennsylvania legislature to distribute about $2.6 billion in Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act funding for individuals, small businesses and county governments affected by the coronavirus.
Also on Thursday, a $25.8 billion interim budget for the 2020-21 fiscal year was approved.
The interim budget will fund state services until the effects of Gov. Tom Wolf’s statewide shutdown and the coronavirus become clearer.
“Today we took action that will keep the lights on. We had bipartisan support to bring some clarity during what is certainly an extremely uncertain time,” Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman, R-Benner Township, said in a statement. “We took action to fund critical state services and directed CARES money so we can help mitigate existing economic struggles. When the financial picture clears up, we will return and finish the job. This is what it means to govern.”
Rep. Kerry Benninghoff, R-Bellefonte, voiced his support for the five-month stabilization budget, which fully funds local school districts and higher education, including Penn State, for one year.
“This temporary budget protects taxpayers, stabilizes spending and gives certainty to those who are depending on government to stay operational,” Benninghoff said. “So many of you are hurting right now, by no fault of your own. I felt a timely budget was an important step in ensuring government and schools continue to meet the needs of seniors, children, families and individuals as we face this crisis together.”
Grants to counties through the CARES Act were distributed based on county population. The legislation included $625 million for counties, $225 million for small businesses, $632 million for senior citizens and $260 to help those with intellectual disabilities. An additional $225 million will also be made available to help businesses specifically affected by COVID-19.
“I think that during a difficult time, a time of deep confusion about our financial status moving forward and the picture of what’s going to happen in Washington, it was the most responsible approach,” Corman told reporters Thursday.
Wolf has said he will approve both the interim budget and the plan to distribute federal aid, according to The Associated Press.
This story was originally published May 29, 2020 at 9:00 AM.
